Taylor Swift has performed a surprise gig in New York City as Stonewall Inn, as part of their Pride celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Stonewall Uprising’.
The ‘Stonewall Riots’, which took place in 1969, are widely considered to be the birth of the modern LGBTQ movement. According to Billboard, the event was held in support of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), which focuses on developing an LGBTQ+ anti-bias training standard and creating safe spaces.
Swift surprised audiences at the historic venue after appearing at the request of actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who also appeared on stage with Swift to sing ‘Shake It Off.’
Swift performed an acoustic version of the song before wishing the crowd a “Happy Pride Month!” before heading off. You can see videos, images and reactions to the moment here:
hello me & @jessetyler & @taylorswift13 at the stonewall inn!! WHAT pic.twitter.com/wd2EVuTbhw
— tyler oakley (@tyleroakley) June 15, 2019
Taylor Swift just performed Shake It Off at @TheStonewallNYC #TS7 https://t.co/9CL7vuYBbQ pic.twitter.com/pMRhLXsyr2
— Variety (@Variety) June 15, 2019
#BREAKING – Taylor Swift makes a surprise appearance to sing “Shake It Off” during Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s cabaret show at The Stonewall Inn! @taylorswift13 #TaylorSwift #YouNeedToCalmDowm #Lover #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/TiriVhq0O1
— Charles A. O'Keefe (@CharlesAOKeefe) June 15, 2019
Recommended
i’m at stonewall and so is taylor swift apparently
— tess (@theresaamax) June 14, 2019
#BREAKING – Taylor Swift surprises an unsuspecting crowd at The Stonewall Inn in New York City! @taylorswift13 #TaylorSwift #YouNeedToCalmDowm #Lover #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/aStlxpkOZh
— Charles A. O'Keefe (@CharlesAOKeefe) June 14, 2019
TAYLORS PERFORMING HERE IMFMSMD CRYING IM AT STONEWALL
— Zainub Amir (@zainubamir) June 14, 2019
Variety's @jemaswad captured Taylor Swift thanking the crowd at @TheStonewallNYC following her surprise performance: "Happy #PrideMonth!" #TS7 https://t.co/9CL7vuYBbQ pic.twitter.com/M4fpk2j3fR
— Variety (@Variety) June 15, 2019
I’m so happy I don’t have to keep this secret any longer. Look who came to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall at the Stonewall Inn. @taylorswift13, you are a gem. Thank you for everything you do for the LGBTQ community. We ❤️ you! ? https://t.co/ICE2b3arxU
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) June 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/Rafaeladorestay/status/1139691596692127744
IMAGINE BEING AT STONEWALL AND TAYLOR SWIFT APPEARING OUT OF NOWHERE AND SINGING SHAKE IT OFF WITH JESSE TYLER FERGUSON AND THEN LEAVING??? THAT SOUNDS LIKE A FEVER DREAM I HAD ONE TIME
— jess (@jesshakeitoff) June 15, 2019
Swift’s latest song, which was released on Thursday (June 13), speaks out in support of gay pride. NME’s review of ‘You Need To Calm Down’ said: “Verse two is for this special Pride month, urging people to join in the celebration and mocking those who inexplicably find offence in the happiness and lifestyle choices of others.
“Sunshine on the street at the parade/But you just wanna be in the dark age/Just making the sign/must’ve taken all night,” it goes, before delivering a death blow that’s equally withering and witty: “Shade never made anybody less gay”. Round of applause for that one.”
Back in April, Swift donated $130,000 to an LGBTQ advocacy group in Tennessee, The Tennessee Equality Project (TEP). The organisation brings together 150 religious leaders to fight bills in the General Assembly that TEP says target LGBTQ individuals.
“Dear Chris, I’m writing you to say that I’m so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organising the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders standing up against the ‘Slate of Hate’ in our state legislature,” Swift wrote in a letter.
“Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and those leaders are doing. I’m so grateful that they’re giving all people a place to worship.”
Swift’s next album, ‘Lover’ will be released on August 23.